A controversy erupted on Friday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi autographed an Indian "flag" to be gifted to US President Barack Obama by celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, evoking sharp reactions after which the government insisted that it was not the national tricolor.
Social media was abuzz with the issue of Modi signing on the tricolour which Khanna said he will hand over to Obama.
Khanna had prepared the menu for the Prime Minister's dinner with Fortune 500 CEOs on Thursday night. The chef also displayed the signed piece of cloth to the media.
Government spokesman Frank Noronha denied that the Prime Minister had signed the national flag and said it had not been confiscated as reported.
Noronha, Director General (Media and Communication), Press Information Bureau, said in New Delhi that the piece of cloth was a work of handicraft prepared by physically-challenged daughter of the chef and the prime minister had autographed it on compassionate basis after Khanna and his family made a request.
"The piece of cloth does not have white colour nor the wheel... It has been prepared by Khanna's daughter with her toe and the Prime Minister was compassionate," he said.
He termed as "absolutely false" that it had been confiscated.
The Indian Flag Code, 2002, states that putting any kind of inscription upon the Indian national flag is construed as disrespect to the flag. It also states that lettering of any kind shall not be put on the tricolor.
Asked whether the prime minister's action of signing on a national flag was an offence under IPC, Congress Party's chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said in New Delhi, "we are not petty like BJP. We respect the office of the Prime Minister".
At the same time, he said that the prime minister must look within and take corrective action as respect for the national flag is the responsibility of 125 crore people, more so for the prime minister.
"However high you may be, the national flag is above you, you should understand this," Surjewala said.
Congress leader Manish Tewari tweeted, "Has PM read Para 2.1 sub para 6& Para 3.28 of Flag Code 2002 that states lettering on National Flag is misuse.3 yrs jail under PINH Act 2003."
Meanwhile, reactions in the virtual world came thick and fast as the controversy continued to rage.
Many termed the controversy as ridiculous.
Journalist Vir Sanghvi tweeted, “I'm sorry but I don't understand this fuss over alleged insults to the flag. Time to adopt a more mature policy over national symbols.”
Added Barkha Dutt added, “Ridiculous Twitter controversy over PM signing flag for @TheVikasKhanna to gift to Obama. Officials have now taken flag away to check code.”
But there were many more, who were slamming the prime minister.
Tushar Gandhi said on Twitter “The audacity of scribbling one's signature on the national flag smacks of unbridled megalomania.”
“As long as there is a Flag Code it must be obeyed & head of Government is expected to be aware of it & obey it,” he added.
Shriya Ketkar tweeted, “That's just wrong... that's our national flag... you can't just sign it like a napkin."
Image: The flag was to be gifted to Obama by celebrity chef Vikas Khanna. Photograph: @ANI/Twitter
